Trump’s Message: The US Calls the Shots on Peace

Diplomatic source: Trump’s Netanyahu meeting to include Lebanon plans

English version based on the Arabic-language article published by Akhbar al-Yawm

A senior diplomatic source has commented on the anticipated visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States early next week, saying the real significance lies in what U.S. President Donald Trump may say during the meeting, especially in terms of reaffirming his global leadership credentials.

According to the source, Trump appears eager to "offer something to the world" that highlights his ability to negotiate and his assertive foreign policy, in line with his "Make America Great Again" mantra. The message, the source added, is that "the U.S. still calls the shots globally, particularly on peace efforts".

The source said Trump continues to promote the idea of achieving peace without relying on military escalation, a position he recently underscored in his handling of Iran last month. The upcoming meeting with Netanyahu could provide Trump with an opportunity to declare progress on that front.

"Trump wants to use this visit to announce that the Iranian file is effectively closed and peace has been restored", the source said, noting that remaining concerns are largely technical, such as enabling the International Atomic Energy Agency to intensify its monitoring of uranium enrichment and ensuring Iran cannot produce or export enriched material to countries like Russia.

The source also said the Gaza ceasefire remains a top priority for the Trump administration, with the President hinting on several occasions at a possible truce or long-term cessation of hostilities.

Asked about Lebanon, the source emphasized that the country remains high on Trump's regional agenda. "He wants to make a Lebanon-related announcement, similar to the statement he made on Syria during his visit to Saudi Arabia, that signals a potential breakthrough".

The source added that Trump views President Ahmad al-Sharaa as gradually moving toward normalization and frameworks like the Abraham Accords, which are increasingly seen as a stepping stone to wider regional peace. In that context, Lebanon is being encouraged to follow a similar trajectory.